LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to provide a perspective on robotic technologies applied to (and inspired by) themes of biomedical research and practice.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This is an introductory course in the application of robotics technologies to a variety of biomedical activities and research areas. The first part of the course is intended to provide a background of formal instruments for understanding control of biomedical robotic devices, biological movement control and their possible relations. The second part is devoted to in-depth analysis of the following specific applications:

• Body (including brain) machine interfaces
• Surgery robotics, teleoperation, cooperative manipulation
• Robots for biomedical research
• Prosthetics
• Neuro-Rehabilitation Robotics
• Assistive robotics
• Biomimetic robotics  
• Soft robotics for biomedical applications

After completing this course the students will be able to:

• Identify and describe different types of medical robots and their potential applications
• Know basic concepts in kinematics, dynamics, and control relevant to medical robotics
• Understanding and analyzing biological signals (motion, muscle and brain activity)
• Control robots with with biosignals
• Develop the analytical and experimental skills necessary to design and implement robotic assistance for different biomedical applications
• Be familiar with the state of the art in applied medical robotics and medical robotics research
• Understand the various roles that robotics can play in healthcare

PREREQUISITES

Modeling and control of robot architectures

TEACHING METHODS

> Lessons on the topics mentied above (see teaching methods), including also discussions with invited speakers, experts in the field of those topics.

> Example/practice  - Students are requested to engage in a number of activities, including lecturing and develop software/ research projects on the topic of the course, both individually and as teams

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This is an introductory course in the application of robotics technologies to a variety of biomedical activities and research areas. Topics:

• Biological movement control 
• Robots for biomedical research
• Surgery robotics, teleoperation, cooperative manipulation, robots for endoscopy
• Brain and Body machine interfaces
• Prosthetics
• Neuro-Rehabilitation Robotics
• Assistive robotics
• soft robotics for biomedical applications
• Biomimetic robotics

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Readings (and software material) will be distributed via the course website.